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Post by holi on Dec 29, 2009 12:04:50 GMT 1
Went for a walk on 27th up the South Downs where it was quite windy. Saw 3 horses out hacking and I did think they were a tad mad as it was so blowy when suddenly heard a scream. We looked round to see a rider on the floor so we all rushed over to them. She shouted she was ok but guess what - NO HAT!!! So so lucky and so very foolish. When will they change the law? OH nearly had a go at her as he used to me a member of the equestrian medical group who officiated at events and lectured on riding safety - luckily for her she went off quickly enough (on foot) in the opposite direction to get away from him!!
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Post by sandy on Dec 29, 2009 12:14:10 GMT 1
Unbelievable. We see them hacking hatless on the, very busy, roads around here. I cringe. x
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Post by feemac on Dec 29, 2009 15:24:02 GMT 1
Just shows how much they value their heads!
Think they should bring in the licencing of livery yards too!
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naria
Grand Prix Poster
yet when all books have been read it boils down to the horse, his human & what goes on between them
Posts: 1,455
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Post by naria on Dec 29, 2009 15:36:40 GMT 1
I agree hats should be a legal requirement on public rights of way & I'd include hi-viz too.
Not sure about the licencing of livery yards. I think the expense may be the end of some small yards & anyway owners have the ability to vote with their feet. I've known some very dodgy BHS approved yards, likewise with some licenced riding schools.
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 29, 2009 15:54:53 GMT 1
I agree hats should be a legal requirement on public rights of way & I'd include hi-viz too too right!! ;D
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Post by lindaandrascal on Dec 29, 2009 17:16:00 GMT 1
Hatless is nothing, round here we see them hatless, bareback and often only in a rope halter on main roads
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Post by rifruffian on Dec 29, 2009 17:23:04 GMT 1
There is not any good reason to bring this topic into legislation.
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Post by wabuska on Dec 29, 2009 17:24:31 GMT 1
Well, I haven't seen a hat on Monty. What about the western crowd guys? I'm not sure how I feel. Perhaps for the under 16s and on public roadways, but I don't know if we should legalise all areas of personal responsibility. No insurance company would pay for a hatless rider I'm sure.
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Post by Dragonmaster on Dec 29, 2009 19:54:03 GMT 1
Personally I dont like making things like this compulsory. We live in too much of a nanny state anyway. I do agree with education and campaigning etc so people do the sensible thing, but if it were law where do you draw the line? As Kanga says, what about Western? What about just popping on your own well known horse and going round the field? What about letting people take responsibility for themselves. I feel a bit the same about cycle helmets, serious road cyclists sensibly choose to wear them, but a 5 year old on a pavement cycle with stabilizers? How likely are they to do more than skin their knees if they come off? On the other hand, it is an extra sale for the bicycle shop.......
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Caroline
Grand Prix Poster
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 2,277
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Post by Caroline on Dec 29, 2009 20:09:16 GMT 1
I don't think it is right to legislate for this. An adult should have the right to wear a hat or not - as they prefer. I don't think they do any harm to anyone else by riding hatless, except perhaps the emergency services. But if we legislate against hatless riders on those grounds, we must also ban various dangerous sports and leisure activities that put a burden on health care and emergency services e.g. mountaineering...and, er...riding!
Children are probably a different matter. Although the unborn child doesn't enjoy complete protection of life in the UK, once they are out they must be wrapped in cotton wool. Such as things are, it would be consistent with other policy and law to enforce hats on the under 18s. In time, maybe it will be illegal for children to ride at all because it is too dangerous for them. This could be a good thing for thousands of riding school ponies that get whipped and kicked year in and year out by the little darlings.
My OH (who is *really* old and was a London policeman for more years than he would like me to publish, but suffice to say it went back to Life On Mars time!) is always saying "What we joke about today, happens tomorrow".
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2009 21:00:09 GMT 1
I'm pretty sure it is already illegal for anyone under the age of 14 to ride on the road without a riding hat. One the one hand, if an adult wants to splat their brain all over the road that's their choice, but on the other hand it's not fair on the people who have to scrape them up and tell their family. I ride on Ashdown Forest and see loads of people riding with no High-Vis but most of the road crossings are really enclosed with bad visibility and people never stick to the 40mph speed limit. I bought myself a nice high-vis cycling coat to ride in, it's as stylish as fluorescent yellow can be and is the most waterproof thing I've ever owned - love it.... www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=6476
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Post by amberhoney on Dec 29, 2009 21:24:47 GMT 1
Not only is it silly but i think most insurance companies won't pay out if you weren't wearing a hat, the same applies for saddle and bridle and also ride and lead. Just something to bear in mind.
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tamzin
Intermediate Poster
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Post by tamzin on Dec 29, 2009 21:30:45 GMT 1
There is no excuse for riding without a hat. Having seen my sister fall off in walk when her horse spooked and the state her hat ended up in which could have been her head. Its just not worth thinking about and they should be compulsory in all equestrian sports. What is it with people and hats? ?
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Post by holi on Dec 30, 2009 18:33:01 GMT 1
I agree Tamzin - what is about hats - do people not care about their brains? We used to make this sort of fuss about seat belts but now no-one thinks twice about it. As one a family of medical people and yes, riders and cyclists, why not take care of ourselves? Having worked with people with head injuries it is the most terrible thing to happen not only to you but your family as well who have the enormous burden of caring for people who may be brain damaged and yet live a long life. Get real people - ok we do legislate too much about what is at times, trivia but your life is rather important!
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 30, 2009 18:37:47 GMT 1
i will always wear my hat as i value my head in one piece!!
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